MDL0049 - ORIGAMI - TRADITIONAL STAR BOX (FROM A SQUARE)

Text-Only Instructions

Credits and Resources:

This model was originally folded with instructions from essortment.com, a site which is unfortunately no longer available, but instructions with pictures may be found on sites like

youtube.com and instructibles.com.

Paper to be used: Square, any size; use large paper to practice with at first.

Thin, specialty origami paper or paper that has a different color on each side, is recommended for this model.

Folding level: Intermediate

Steps: 15

Description: Origami, the ancient art of Japanese paper folding, allows you to produce functional items as well as decorative ones. Some origami models, like the traditional star box described below, are both. 

The beautiful traditional origami box has a wide base and a narrow top that opens into a 4-pointed star. 

Remarks:

This box is great to use at parties or special occasions because it is functional as well as decorative.

Using origami or other colored paper matching the occasion will form an attractive pattern, making this container even more eye-catching.

Both variations of the star box make nice vases too.

NOTE:  This model starts from the preliminary or square base. If you are able to achieve this without instructions, fold the base and then go to Step 9.

"Step 1 

Place a square piece of paper down on a hard, flat surface so that it forms a diamond shape.

Step 2

Bring the left point over to meet the right point. Crease and unfold.

Step 3 

Bring the top point down to meet the bottom point. Crease and unfold.

Step 4 

Turn the square over and position it so that its edges are facing up and down, left and right.

Step 5 

Bring the left edge over to meet the right edge. Crease and unfold.

Step 6 

Bring the top edge down to meet the bottom edge. Crease and leave folded.

Step 7

Grasp the left and right points of the resulting rectangle and pick it up off of the folding  surface. Push inward. The model should collapse along the pre-existing folds.

The result will be a square or diamond-shaped model, with four flaps one each to the left and right, front and back.

Step 8 

Fold the front flap to the left and fold the back flap to the right so that your model will lie flat. The model will have one open end, which should be facing away from you."

Step 9

To start making a squash fold, bring the upper left edge of the top layer of paper over to meet the center crease. Crease and leave folded. Insert your thumb and forefinger into the resulting flap and open it so that the bottom layer of the flap remains at the center vertical crease and the top layer of the flap is returned to the upper left edge. Press flat. A triangular pocket should now be formed on the lower left side of the model. 

Step 10

Fold the top left edge backward, between the two layers of paper to meet the center crease. Crease and leave folded.                                                                                                            

Step 11

Repeat the two previous steps for the right side of the model.  

Step 12

Flip the model over from left to right and repeat the three previous steps. 

Step 13

Make sure the model is positioned so that the narrow point is up and the broader point is facing toward you. Bring the bottom point up toward the center of the model and crease at the point where the left and right lower folds begin. Crease and unfold.

Flip the paper over and repeat. 

Step 14

Bring the point of the top layer down towards the center of the model as far as it will go. Crease and leave folded. Flip the model over and repeat. Open up the model just a little bit in the center and repeat with the remaining points of paper. 

Step 15

Open out the box and flatten the bottom along the creases made in previous steps.

Gently push out the corners from the inside and make sure all sides are straight and that the four points of the star jut out at a similar height.            


Alternative Model:

ADL0007 - ORIGAMI - STAR BOX WITH POINTS FOLDED IN

An easy variation to the traditional Star Box can be made by tucking in the 4 points of the star so they disappear into the container itself.

It is a small variation, but the models end up looking quite different from each other.

Making origami accessible to visually impaired crafters through text instructions.

for non-commercial use only.

Compiled by Lindy van der Merwe, May 2019

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